Best Mascara Ulta Beauty – Top Picks & Guide

Ever stare at the wall of mascaras at Ulta and feel completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Picking the perfect mascara can feel like a mission. You want lashes that wow, but with so many tubes promising volume, length, and curl, how do you know which one is the real deal?

It’s frustrating when you buy a mascara that just doesn’t work. Maybe it clumps, smudges, or doesn’t give you the lift you dreamed of. We’ve all been there, spending money on formulas that end up in the back of our drawers. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of Ulta Beauty mascaras today!

Get ready to discover your new holy grail mascara. We’ll break down what to look for, explore some of the top-rated options, and help you find a mascara that makes your eyes pop without any of the guesswork. Let’s get those lashes looking fabulous!

Top Mascara Ulta Beauty Recommendations

No. 3
essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
  • If you receive this mascara UNWRAPPED, it did not come from essence cosmetics.
  • NO FALSIES NEEDED! Lash Princess False Lash Mascara defines and separates lashes while achieving a bold look.
  • DRAMATIC VOLUME: the conic shape fiber brush delivers dramatic volume and sculpted length WITHOUT clumps or globs.
  • CLAIMS: Cruelty Free. Free from gluten, silicones, parabens, oil, fragrance, alcohol, & microplastic particles. Made in Luxembourg.
  • CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
No. 5
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara Volumizing, Lengthening, Lifting, Curling, Multiplying, Eye Makeup, Blackest Black, 1 Count
  • Washable Lengthening Mascara: Get an instant lash lift effect from this eyelash extension mascara; Infused with fibers to deliver dramatic volume, length, and lift to lashes and gives you a false eyelash effect without the long expensive procedures
  • Lifting Brush: Our double curved mascara separator brush and fiber-infused volumizing mascara formula grabs lashes at the root to lift, thicken and lengthen; No clumps, smears, or flakes, just volume and the look of longer eyelashes that lasts all day
  • It's All In The Eyes: Subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones or a shot of color; Our eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows, and volume mascara collections are designed to transform your look
  • Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
No. 6
Tower 28 MakeWaves Vegan Black Mascara - Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara for Sensitive Eyes - With Aquaflex Technology for Humidity-Proof Lift - Hypoallergenic Eye Makeup - Jet (0.29 oz)
  • Vegan Mascara for Sensitive Eyes - Safe for contact lens wearers and made for sensitive eyes, this clean formula is dermatologist-approved, ophthalmologist-tested, and hypoallergenic, delivering high-impact results without irritation.
  • Humidity-Proof Eye Makeup - Powered by Aquaflex technology, this lengthening mascara uses haircare-grade ingredients to keep lashes lifted, defined, and clump-free. Expect fluttery, natural volume that holds up even in heat and humidity.
  • Thoughtful Design - This volumizing mascara features a curved side to amplify lashes and a straight edge with long bristles to lift and separate. Plus, the tube is made from 78% post-consumer recycled plastic, as part of our committment to sustainability.
  • How to Apply - Wiggle the curved brush through lashes from root to tip to build volume before using the longer bristles to fan and lengthen. MakeWaves lash mascara easily rinses off with water and a gentle cleanser.
  • Good. Clean. Fun. Always. - Tower 28 was inspired by Los Angeles living and built around real skin needs - creating safe, high-performance formulas for sensitive skin that blend dermatologist-approved skin care with bold, joyful beauty for all.
No. 7
essence | I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara (Pack of 1) | Intense & Dramatic Volume & Length in One Swipe | Vegan & Cruelty Free
  • EXTREME VOLUME: Take your lashes to the next level with the I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara from essence! The ultra-black pigments deliver a bold, dramatic look that lasts all day.
  • EXTREME COVERAGE: The extra-large elastomer brush coats every lash to create intense & defined volume in just one swipe! It provides intense & dramatic volume and length for stunning and long lasting results.
  • HOW TO USE: Starting at the base of the lash line, wiggle wand back and forth, adding as many coats as you like until desired length and volume is achieved. Remove mascara with eye-safe makeup remover.
  • CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Free from parabens, alcohol, fragrance, & microplastic particles. Made in Italy.
  • CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
SaleNo. 8
Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer | Lengthening + Volumizing | Cruelty Free + Safe for Sensitive Eyes | Black, .27 fl oz
  • CLEAN MASCARA and PRIMER: Award winning, bestselling double sided Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer designed to work together to deliver ultimate length, weightless lift, and dramatic volume
  • SAFE FOR SENSITIVE EYES: Infused with Jojoba Esters and forumlated without microplastics, this formula is cruelty free, ophthalmologist tested, EWG verified, and made for all lash types, including sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • BUILT IN PRIMER: The primer coats lashes with an even base that enhances the mascara's lash legthening performance while boosting staying power
  • EXTREME LENGTH: Black mascara with molded bristles and flexible, fine-toothed wand evenly coats, separates, and defines lashes, delivering extreme length and sky high lift
  • MADE WITHOUT: Parabens, paraffins, synthetic fragrances, silicones, microplastics, and mineral oil

The Ultimate Mascara Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Flutter at Ulta Beauty

Are you ready to give your lashes the star treatment? Ulta Beauty offers a dazzling array of mascaras, each promising to transform your look. But with so many options, how do you pick the one that’s just right for you? This guide will help you navigate the wonderful world of Ulta mascaras.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re hunting for your next favorite mascara, keep these important features in mind:

  • Brush Type: This is super important! Different brush shapes do different things.
    • Curved Brushes: These hug your lash line and help lift and curl your lashes. They’re great for getting to the root of your lashes.
    • Straight Brushes: These are good for even application and separating lashes.
    • Wand-Shaped Brushes: Some have tiny bristles for reaching every single lash. Others have bigger, fluffier bristles for volume.
    • Comb Brushes: These are like tiny combs that detangle and define each lash.
  • Formula Type: What do you want your mascara to do?
    • Volumizing: These formulas have thicker ingredients to make lashes look fuller and more dramatic.
    • Lengthening: These contain fibers that cling to your lashes, making them appear longer.
    • Curling: These often have ingredients that help hold a curl.
    • Defining/Separating: These formulas focus on coating each lash without clumping.
    • Waterproof: These stay put, even when you sweat or cry. They’re great for long days.
    • Wipeable/Washable: These are easier to remove at the end of the day.
  • Color: Black is classic, but Ulta also has brown, blue, and even fun colors for a pop!

Important Materials in Mascara

Mascara ingredients work together to create amazing lashes. Here are some common ones:

  • Waxes (like Carnauba or Beeswax): These give the mascara its creamy texture and help it stick to your lashes.
  • Polymers: These create a film on your lashes. They help with lengthening and holding curl.
  • Pigments (like Iron Oxides): These give the mascara its color, usually a deep black.
  • Fibers: Found in lengthening mascaras, these tiny fibers attach to your natural lashes to make them look longer.
  • Oils and Emollients: These keep the formula smooth and help condition your lashes.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a mascara great, and what can make it less than ideal?

  • Improvements:
    • Smooth Application: A good mascara glides onto your lashes easily without tugging.
    • No Clumping: The best mascaras coat lashes evenly without sticking them together.
    • Long-Lasting Wear: It stays put all day without flaking or smudging.
    • Easy Removal: Even waterproof formulas should come off without too much scrubbing.
    • Lash Conditioning: Some formulas contain ingredients that nourish your lashes.
  • Reductions:
    • Clumping: This is a big one! Clumpy mascara makes lashes look messy.
    • Flaking: When mascara flakes off onto your under-eyes, it can ruin your makeup.
    • Smudging: Mascara that smudges under your eyes looks messy and unprofessional.
    • Difficult Removal: Having to scrub hard to get mascara off can damage your lashes.
    • Irritation: Some formulas can make your eyes feel itchy or watery.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you want to use your mascara every day:

  • Everyday Wear: For school or work, you might want a mascara that defines and lengthens without being too dramatic. A washable formula is usually best.
  • Special Occasions: Going to a party or a wedding? You might choose a volumizing or dramatic lengthening mascara. Waterproof options are great for events where you might cry happy tears!
  • Sensitive Eyes: If your eyes get easily irritated, look for mascaras labeled “for sensitive eyes” or those with fewer harsh chemicals. Hypoallergenic formulas are a good choice.
  • Contact Lens Wearers: Many mascaras are safe for contact lens wearers. Check the product description.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ulta Beauty Mascaras

Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in a mascara?

A: You should look for the brush type (curved, straight, wand, comb), the formula type (volumizing, lengthening, curling, defining, waterproof), and the color.

Q: Are there specific materials that make mascara better?

A: Yes, waxes, polymers, pigments, fibers, and oils and emollients all contribute to how well a mascara performs.

Q: What makes a mascara’s quality go down?

A: Clumping, flaking, smudging, difficult removal, and irritation can all reduce a mascara’s quality.

Q: What are some common use cases for different mascaras?

A: You might use a defining mascara for everyday wear, a volumizing one for parties, or a waterproof one for long days.

Q: How do I know if a mascara brush is right for me?

A: Curved brushes lift and curl, straight brushes define and separate, wand brushes give volume, and comb brushes detangle.

Q: Is waterproof mascara hard to get off?

A: Waterproof mascara can be harder to remove, but many brands offer effective removers. Always be gentle when taking off makeup.

Q: What should I do if my mascara clumps?

A: Try wiping excess product off the wand before applying. Also, use a lash comb to separate lashes after application.

Q: Can I wear mascara if I have sensitive eyes?

A: Yes, look for mascaras specifically made for sensitive eyes or those labeled as hypoallergenic.

Q: Does the color of mascara matter?

A: Black is classic for dramatic looks. Brown is softer for everyday wear. Colored mascaras add a fun touch.

Q: Where can I find these mascaras?

A: You can find a wide selection of mascaras at Ulta Beauty stores and on their website.